Justice News

Alachua County Man Sentenced to 360 Months in Prison for Federal Child Pornography and Firearm Charges

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Joshua Hansen, 35, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced on Monday in the U.S. District Court in Gainesville to 360 months in prison for production of child pornography, 240 months for possession of child pornography, and 120 months for possession of an unregistered silencer. Each count is to be served concurrently. Hansen pleaded guilty on May 18, 2018. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In October 2017, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at Hansen’s residence. The search warrant authorized the seizure of firearm sound suppression devices and electronic devices used to publish videos relating to Hansen’s manufacturing and test firing of sound suppression devices. Agents seized an unregistered silencer attached to a .22 caliber rifle. A forensic examination of Hansen’s electronic devices revealed thousands of images and videos of child pornography, including images of infants and toddlers. Agents also recovered pornographic videos created by Hansen involving two minor children. Hansen created the videos over approximately one year, when the victims were between five and eight years of age.

U.S. Attorney Canova said, “The cooperative efforts of our law enforcement partners exposed an armed predator and helped protect other children from abuse. The sentence imposed on Hansen sends a strong message that those who take advantage of our innocent children will pay a steep price.”

“We will continue to adapt to and embrace the changes and challenges in the use technology when fighting violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Daryl McCrary. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we identified and saved the victims in this case”

“The FBI Jacksonville Division is always focused on building better relationships with our law enforcement partners, but we are just as committed to developing stronger relationships with members of this community,” Special Agent in Charge Charles P. Spencer. “This case confirms the value of that commitment, and the important role of community members in ensuring safety and security for all of our neighbors.”

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason S. Beaton.